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Smart Driving - NOT

Smart Driving - NOT

Gus Philpott
Woodstock Advocate
April 24, 2008

What's smart about the way this driver stopped in heavy traffic? Not much.

It's a great way to end up with a re-styled front end on your car. As you can see, this driver stopped so close to the car in front that there is barely room to walk between the cars.

Why is this not so smart?

If her foot had slipped off the brake, there would be no time to get back on the brake before she rolled into the car in front of her.

If the car behind her didn't stop in time, the impact to the rear of her car would push her into the car ahead.

If the car ahead stalled, she would not have room to pull around without backing up. And there are other reasons.

When you stop, consider allowing some room between the front of your car and the rear of the vehicle ahead. Watch the rearview mirror. If the driver behind you isn't stopping, you'll have a little room to roll forward and possibly avoid being rear-ended.

Happy driving and safe stopping.